Hodgson told reporters: "Yes he will. He'll start the game, then I'll have to see what to do with Leighton (Baines), who has been doing very well. Ashley will definitely start."

His England team-mate Steven Gerrard said: "I think he deserves to be in there. I look at the players I played with throughout my career and I think he's been one of the most consistent."

The match against Brazil was organised to mark the FA's 150th anniversary, and is a warm-up before two important World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro.

On the issue of Paul Gascoigne, who has been admitted to a rehabilitation clinic in America for alcohol addiction, Hodgson said: "He has our full support, our full moral support, and anything we can possibly do to help him we'll be more than happy to do.

"I think it's a question for Paul now to get the treatment he needs. Kind words won't be enough. He needs some quite severe action."